Today's gospel, 26 Aug: Clean the inside first...

 


Matthew 23: 23-26

‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practised without neglecting the others. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel!

‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may become clean.





Christian Art

You will find a helpful and interesting reflection on the text here:

https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-23-23-26-2025/



Sacred Space

You will find a helpful prayer guide and reflection here:

https://sacredspace.com/daily-prayer/2025-08-26/



Notices

Saturday 30 Aug in Turlough, and Sunday 31 August in CCC and HTW (in St Mary’s) 

  • Back to School Services, with Blessing of the Schoolbags and Backpacks


Westport Sunday Club (Sunday school) restarts on 7 September, kicking off at 12 noon in the church service (in St Mary's which continues to host the Holy Trinity Westport congregation temporarily) and moving next to Carrowbeg House for activities, a Bible story and lesson, music and song, and snacks. 

    Sunday Club is run in accordance with the Church of Ireland's Child Safeguarding regulations. 

    For information on how to introduce your child please call the rector on 083 800 3233. 



Harvest services in Castlebar and Westport will be on Sunday 14 September:

  • 10am in Christ Church Castlebar 
  • 12 noon, for Holy Trinity Westport, in St Mary's Church, South Mall, Westport

Harvest services for Turlough and Achill - details to be confirmed (‘tbc')




Community event, Castlebar:


Friday 6 DECEMBER (not Sept)

An Evening with Bella Capella Charity Fundraiser Concert in Christ Church Castlebar


Friday 19 September, from 7pm

Christ Church will be one of several the venues for the Margaret Burke Sheridan Trail, sponsored by the Linen Hall and Mayo Co Council. Details online or on request. 




Also for the diary: Sat 4 October, Blessing of the Animals, Murrisk Carpark





To pray for in the parishes:

  • those who are unwell, recovering from illness or surgery;
  • infants, the young, the newly baptised and those soon to be baptised;
  • school leavers and others who have change and opportunities ahead;
  • children returning to school after the holidays;
  • school staff and teachers at Holy Trinity N.S (Westport); and elsewhere;
  • those who are soon to be licensed by the bishop as ‘LLLMs’ - Local Lay Liturgical Ministers - to serve in the parishes;  
  • the Office-bearers and Select Vestries members; and
  • the Rector and her diocesan colleagues.




Pastoral care and enquiries:  


Revd Suzanne Cousins  083 800 3233    


Email  aughaval@tuam.anglican.org

Aughaval Parishes' Website   aughaval.tlk.ie


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